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Rajasthan minister downplays NEET-UG 2026 cancellation amid paper-leak probe
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar downplayed the NEET-UG 2026 cancellation amid allegations of a paper leak, saying it is not a big issue if irregularities were found. The Centre cancelled the May 3 exam and handed the probe to the CBI, prompting political reactions and ongoing investigations into a multi-state leakage network.
Why It Matters
The decision affects medical admissions for thousands of students and highlights ongoing concerns about exam security and government responses during a high-profile nationwide investigation.
Timeline
4 Events
May 13, 2026: Rajasthan minister comments on cancellation
May 13, 2026
Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar downplayed the cancellation, calling it 'not a big issue' if irregularities were found. He said investigating agencies must have found irregularities and the government would correct any wrongdoing, as the Centre’s decision to scrap the exam and hand the probe to the CBI drew political reaction in the state.
May 12, 2026: Detention linked to leak investigation
May 12, 2026
Nashik Police detained 30-year-old Shubham Khairnar in connection with the alleged paper leak. The CBI later took him into custody for questioning in the probe.
May 4, 2026: Reports of paper leak prompt cancellation
May 4, 2026
The day after the May 3 examination, students began reporting concerns about a suspected paper leak. The NTA was convinced by these complaints, cancelled the examination, and handed the case to the CBI.
May 3, 2026: NEET-UG 2026 cancelled amid irregularities
May 3, 2026
The NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted by the National Testing Agency on May 3 was cancelled amid allegations of widespread irregularities, with the Centre deciding to scrap the exam and hand over the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).